Measuring the Effectiveness of Mathematics Support resources

This paper by Shazia Ahmed, Jane Joy, and Deirdre Moriarty describes the evaluation of a formula card for nursing students created at the University of Glasgow. (2013) MSOR Connections 13(1), 41-44. DOI: 10.11120/msor.2013.13010041

This article presents a novel approach to maths support designed and adopted by the University of Lincoln, School of Engineering, to bridge this transition gap for students, offer continued support through Assessment for Learning and Individual Learning Plans, and ultimately increase student achievement, engagement and retention. The article then extends this proven approach and discusses recently implemented enhancements through the use of online diagnostic testing and a ‘student expert’ system to harness mathematical knowledge held by those gifted and talented students (often overlooked by higher education institutions) and to promote peer-to-peer mentoring. The article shows that with the proven system in place, there is a marked increase in student retention compared with national benchmark data, and an increase in student engagement and achievement measured through student feedback and assessments.
M. Gallimore and J. Stewart, (2014) Increasing the impact of mathematics support on aiding student
transition in higher education., Teaching Mathematics Applications, 33 (2), 98-109, doi:10.1093/teamat/hru008

Nilsson, Galina and Luchinskaya, D. (2012) Provision of maths support for student in higher education institutions, The 40th Annual Congress of the Nordic Educational Research Association: March 8-10, 2012, Copenhagen, http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4859
This study analyses the efficiency of maths support provision in two universities: Leeds Metropolitan University, UK and Högskolan Väst, Sweden. This is an on-going collaboration between two universities and in this paper we present the results of this study focussing on the academic staff prospective, using questionnaires, observations and interviews with tutors.

This volume arose from a conference, 'Addressing the Quantitative Skills Gap: Establishing
and Sustaining Cross-Curricular Mathematical Support in Higher Education', held at the
University of St Andrews in 2007. The aim of that conference, and of this volume of
collected essays, is to explore the logistics and economics of establishing and sustaining
institution-wide mathematics support provision.
We explore a range models for delivering mathematical support accommodating an even
wider range of budgets. Additionally, we identify how universities can call upon their maths
support provision to demonstrate that they are addressing institutional agendas including
quality enhancement, employability and skills, the first year experience, flexible delivery,
retention, and the student learning experience. Looking to the future we note how
mathematics support has broadened from its original focus on the STEM subjects and
discuss how emerging technologies are being exploited for its provision.

This paper reflects on the results of research undertaken at a large UK university relating to the teaching of quantitative subjects within a Business Faculty. It builds on a simple model of student engagement and, through the description of three case studies, describes research undertaken and developments implemented to strengthen aspects of the model, enhance student engagement and help meet the requirements of employers in terms of graduate skills. The paper also outlines some areas for future research.
Jon Warwick and Anna Howard (2014) Strengthening student engagement with quantitative subjects in a
Business Faculty. e-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, 8(1) pp: 32-43.
http://www.ejbest.org/upload/eJBEST_Warwick_Howard_-_8(1)_2014.pdf